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GetJar integrates Facebook to boost app discovery

April 27, 2011 — 9:39am ET | By Jason Ankeny

Cross-platform applications storefront GetJar is integrating Facebook social networking tools into the newest version of its mobile portal, enabling consumers to share app download activity, recommendations and comments via wall posts and news feeds. Users who log in to GetJar via Facebook can now employ "like" and "dislike" buttons to share their opinions on must-have and must-avoid applications--in addition, users can leverage GetJar's My Apps feature to consolidate their app download history and make it accessible for reference. The revamped GetJar interface also features navigation tabs for more efficient browsing, improved search tools, a Top Apps section spotlighting popular downloads and a Just In section for new arrivals.

A recent GetJar survey indicates that only 21.6 percent of consumers discover applications in app stores, instead depending on the opinions of friends to determine their next download. "Leveraging the social graph is the first step to understanding the user and personalizing their experience," said GetJar director of mobile products Mario Tapia in an interview with FierceMobileContent. "Social media is more relevant to discovery than search. We look at friends' recommendations as a far bigger influencer than trade magazine reviews or store bestseller lists."

GetJar offers more than 75,000 applications to consumers in over 200 international markets. Consumers have now downloaded more than 1.5 billion apps from the store. GetJar supports over 3,000 device models spanning platforms including Android, BlackBerry, Windows Phone and Symbian. Tapia said the store will only recommend applications optimized for each user's specific handset and operating system, guaranteeing consumers are exposed only to apps they can actually download to their phone.

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